Are we shortchanging the EA and FC degrees by spending so little time on them? I think so. Why not take some time to meditate on the lessons and hidden meaning contained in the degree, especially the penalties. What is the benefit of moving so fast?
I was getting ready to say 'yes', that we are short changing them. However, I think the question is a bit more difficult to answer than that. There is SO much to learn from each of the degrees that it could easily take years for each one. I will even go so far as to say that it would be impossible to understand what has been presented in a month or two. That being said, not everyone is looking for that deep of a level of understanding. The deeper lessons of Freemasonry are there and available to those who seek them and are willing to put the time and effort into finding them, but for those who aren't interested in that aspect, it shouldn't be thrust upon them.
That being said, I think where we often run into problems is that there are essentially 2 paths for 'proficiency'. There is memorizing the catechisms and attaining a true understanding. The question is how to make both paths available to the new brothers.
Case in point: I was entered on 03/12/2009, passed on 07/09/2009, and raised on 09/12/2009. My EA and FC catechisms were perfect, both question and answer in the long form. But looking back on it, I didn't have the slightest clue about what was really being presented to me. I am now going back and relearning a lot. However, what is the alternative? If someone would've told me the night of my initiation that there is a much deeper meaning to the ritual and that it would likely take years to understand before moving on and then doing it all over again, what would my reaction have been? Furthermore, is offering that up pointe blank a bit like cheating? In my lodge, if there were any brothers looking deeper, it was unknown to me, so the thought of slowing down would've been met with a resounding 'why?'.